In a tragic incident in Chad, the International Organization for Migration and authorities confirmed the deaths of 27 migrants, including four children, due to thirst in the Sahara desert. The episode underscores the perilous conditions faced by those seeking safer or better opportunities across the region.
Reports from the IOM indicate the migrants began their journey from Moussoro, Chad, more than a year ago, traveling in a minibus. Investigators believe the transport vehicle broke down deep in the desert as it ran low on fuel and water, leaving the travelers stranded. With limited access to water and aid, the group faced dehydration and succumbed to the harsh environment. This latest incident adds to a broader pattern of peril endured by people moving through this vast, arid region in pursuit of livelihood or asylum.
Anne Kathrin Schaefer, the head of the IOM mission in Chad, expressed deep sadness and called for stronger collective action to prevent future tragedies. She extended condolences to the families of those who died and emphasized the urgent need for reliable information about safe migration routes. According to the mission leadership, without dependable guidance and protections, migrants may continue to choose dangerous paths through remote desert areas, exposing themselves to fatal risks.
The Missing Migrants Project, operated by IOM, tracks deaths and disappearances of people who attempt long, perilous journeys. Since 2014, this initiative has documented thousands of fatalities across the Sahara, highlighting the vulnerability of migrants who traverse harsh landscapes in search of better chances. In the current year, the project notes ongoing fatalities, with dozens of confirmed deaths reported within the Sahara corridor, and a continuing need for robust humanitarian response and preventive measures. In regions like Chad, where climate conditions intensify risk during dry seasons, the stress on communities and on migrants seeking precarious routes remains severe, demanding coordinated action from international partners, governments, and local organizations alike.